Adrenaline All-Canada Games 2012: Day 1

The Hill Academy and Edge Lacrosse have stepped things up a level from the excellent Reebok Top 100 Camps they've run the past couple of years. For 2012 they have partnered with Adrenaline to produce the All-Canada Games. The three-day event pits 22-player teams from seven regions in three age groups: players graduating high school in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

If you just did the math you realize that means more than 460 participants. British Columbia is one region and the Midwest provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba) are combined into another. Ontario provides the bulk of the participants with five teams: East, West, Southeast, Southwest and South Central.

Teams held tryouts in late May/early June but haven't had a chance to practice together since then. They hit the fields for practices first thing Monday morning then dove into a round-robin format, which will wrap up by Tuesday afternoon. Elimination games will take place Wednesday morning, leading to championships in each division. The event will wrap up with an all-star game.

Standings in 2013 Age Group after Day 1

Notes

With so many players in games spread over six fields at the new and fantastic Oshawa Civic Fields, it's impossible to watch every player. These notes will focus on the 2013 group, which comprises players who will graduate high school next year or who have graduated but are considering a post-grad year this fall. We'll also highlight the odd 2014 who stood out.

The calibre of play is very high and the teamwork is quite satisfactory for teams that have only had two or three practices together. As with any event of this type, the quality improves throughout. Players discussed below did something to set themselves apart on the field; it's important to note that observations are based on limited viewing opportunity and players may be revisited to flesh out their profile in ensuing stories.

Ontario Southeast 2013

Players from Whitby, Oshawa, Courtice, Bowmanville and environs.

Ryan Keenan, L, Attack
He led the way with a hat trick and assist in his team's 6-4 win over Ontario West. Keenan has impeccable bloodlines as the son of Derek Keenan, an NLL and OLA Junior A box coach who was just elected to the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame as a player. The apple didn't fall far from the tree: Ryan is a talented and hard-working player with excellent field vision. He shows no fear going for ground balls and is adept at coming up with them. His shot is good and can come from any angle. Keenan's best play of the day didn't even result in a goal. He was checked to the ground. From his knees, he fired a one-hand wrap shot while falling to the ground that rang off the far post.

Brandon Staal, R, Attack
Small but very skilled, Staal is an effective playmaker and showed an ability to finish. Staal doesn't force passes but can thread the needle when he sees a player in scoring position. He can also create opportunities. He rolled off two defenders as ran out from the goal line arcing parallel to the crease then buried a bounce shot. Doesn't mind going to the tough areas against long poles but seems smart enough to know with his size he's better off not trying to do it too often. Two goals and four assists in two games today.

Austin Divitcos, L, Midfield
A steady presence with a decent shot, Divitcos didn't stand out for any particular plays. He just seemed to make sound decisions and handle the ball efficiently. Bears watching further.

Connor Laird, L, Defence
Plays a strong all-around defensive game. Good footwork and positioning, quick lateral movement. Doesn't hesitate to take the ball upfield at appropriate times but doesn't force the issue. He was the best defender on the field most of the time he was playing.

Jason Weber, R, Goalie
Excellent. Small but mobile with a tremendous stick. Communicates well with his defenders. His greatest strength is probably his passing. Can throw it on a rope but also showed a deft touch on short passes.

Ontario East

Players from Peteborough, Innisfil, Akwesasne, Kingston, Ottawa, etc.

Jake Withers, R, Midfield
Dominated in the faceoff circle and showed athleticism up and down the field. His box toughness rears up in traffic. Withers has strong stick skills, can run, pass and shoot. Commits to defence when required and is always ready to tear up the field with a ground ball. Was clearly the most complete player on his team today.

Oran Horn, L, Midfield
Made smart decisions and showed the speed to get around defenders on the outside.

Chad Levick, L, AttackHas a lot of raw talent. A lanky lefty who could stand to be more active and aware. Looks like he is still learning the finer points of the game. Scored five goals in a 21-2 blowout of the Midwest.

British Columbia

Players from all of B. C.

Brad Hoffman, R, Defence
The best of a strong group of West Coast defenders. Hoffman is fast and plays well at both ends of the field. He picks off passes with great stickwork and can handle the ball once he's upfield. He's a physical force and always seemed to make the right play today. It's not easy for a defender to stand out in a game with players he's not familiar with at a tournament with a ton of offensive talent. Hoffman draws eyes to him with brilliant play.

Graeme Bates, R, Midfield
Showed good vision and made one of the best passes of the day. He threaded a pass cross-crease through several defenders right into a teammates stick for an easy goal.

Ontario West

Players from Brampton, London, Orangeville, Toronto, Kitchener etc.

Daniel Craig, L, Attack
In his first-ever field lacrosse play, Craig showed that his box skills (he's Barrie's leading scorer in Junior A) transfer well to the field. Scored six goals in three games on sheer talent and desire to get to the net.

Anthony Smitherman, L, Defence
Great passer. Throws sidearm outlets accurately and to the right player.

Cody Filson, L, Midfield
Long and athletic. Takes a straight-line approach to the game and can finish.